Office Professionals Network (OPN)

The Office Professionals Network embodies W&L's commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and effective organizational culture by providing high-quality, accessible professional development programming and community building opportunities, with an emphasis on enhancing the skills and knowledge as well as increasing belonging and wellbeing of university staff. OPN operates in the spirit of W&L's motto "Non Incautus Futuri" - not unmindful of the future - by modeling the way with forward-thinking and mindful leadership.

Mission

OPN will serve and partner with leadership to create an inclusive and innovative environment where all staff have the opportunity to grow, thrive and are equipped to succeed by:

  • Welcoming new staff to W&L and offering thoughtful information, tools, and platforms to learn about their jobs, the various units and the broader community;
  • Providing meaningful and intentional development opportunities while enhancing belonging and wellbeing;
  • Developing connections using a professional mentoring program which will encourage employee engagement, knowledge-sharing, and job satisfaction;
  • Creating dynamic opportunities for sharing ideas of interest between members;
  • Empowering networks and relationships through community events.

Committee Members

Rena Cromer
Box Office Coordinator, Lenfest Center

Rena started at W&L in 2016. She manages the Box Office at the Lenfest Center for the Arts and does all things financial, logistical, and contractual for Lenfest Center. Prior to coming to campus she worked on a marketing team, was a business office manager for a television station, and had a lengthy career in technical theatre making props and scenery for many different professional theatres on the East Coast. Rena's favorite spot on campus is the Lykes Gallery in the winter when it is snowing. Her favorite part of her job is working with the work-study students in the Box Office and teaching them real-life business and customer service skills.

Fiorela Giraldo Prado de Lewis
Executive Assistant, The College

Fio Lewis, native of Lima, Peru began her career at Washington and Lee in January of 2021. She currently serves as an Executive Assistant in the College. Prior to her arrival at W&L, she worked with a nonprofit organization assisting victims of violence. Fio is honored to be part of the OPN committee and enjoys planning trainings and events that promote growth, community and belonging of staff at Washington and Lee. "We are a group that supports each other and are happy to lend a hand if assistance is needed."

Linda Hurt
Executive Assistant, Provost Office

A Virginia native, Linda Hurt has served as Executive Assistant in the Provost's office since 2023. Linda joined Washington and Lee University in 2017 in Advancement Operations as a data specialist/gift processor. After a colleague retired, Linda worked as W&L's Constituent Records Coordinator; ultimately becoming Advancement Records Lead. Linda has enjoyed the OPN workshops and events for several years and is excited to serve as a member of the OPN committee and continue their work.

Mariel Potter
Office Manager, Human Resources

Mariel has been at the university for 19 years. The first ten years were in the Auxiliary Services Office, and the last nine were in Student Affairs. Recently, Mariel moved to Human Resources to be the office manager and is looking forward to working with employees. Mariel loves being part of the Office Professional Network steering committee. The committee allows her to meet and learn from other office professionals on staff. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew in her free time. You can usually find us at one of their local sporting events.

Tamika McCoy
Accounting Assistant

Tamika joined W&L in February 2019, starting in the Office of Human Resources and now serving as an Accounting Assistant in the Business Office. Originally from the Northeast, Tamika has a diverse background in finance, merchandising, and entertainment. She is grateful to be part of the OPN group and looks forward to contributing as a member of the OPN committee.

Jane McDonald
Administrative Assistant II, The Law School

Jane came to the School of Law in 2005 from the Development Office at Stuart Hall School. She began her role as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Career Strategy before joining Faculty Services in 2017. Jane is delighted to be included as a member of the OPN Committee and believes that the activities and trainings organized by the group significantly improves the work environment for support staff at Washington and Lee. She takes pleasure in forming new relationships on campus and aspires to close the distance between the University and the Law School. Promoting the Law School as a potential venue for events so that more people can visit and discover our campus, fostering the growth of this amazing community.

Misty Snider
Executive Assistant, The Williams School

Misty joined the Dean's Office in the Williams School as an Executive Assistant in August 2022. She began her career at W&L in Advancement Operations in 2017. Prior to her arrival at W&L, she worked in the field of public mental health for more than 15 years. Misty is excited to be a part of the OPN committee and feels that the events and trainings planned by the committee, truly enhance the experiences of staff at Washington and Lee. Grateful to be a part of the wonderful community we have here on campus and to be associated with an organization that is striving to improve and educate members of this community.

Jessica Vassar
Senior Payroll and Purchasing Coordinator

Jessica joined the Business Office in June 2019 and currently serves as Senior Payroll and Purchasing Coordinator. Prior to her arrival at W&L, she worked at a retirement community doing various jobs for more than 17 years. Jessica is excited to be part of the OPN Committee, planning events and trainings to help staff strive in their positions.